SKY Blues manager Mark Robins said his side had no problems in adjusting to new surroundings at St Andrew’s, as Coventry City settled into life away from the Ricoh Arena with a 1-0 victory over Southend United.
Zain Westbrooke’s 51st-minute intervention settled the League One opener in front of a crowd of 6,534, as Coventry deservedly took all three points.
Robins believes the Sky Blues were good value for the win, and is pleased to have avoided a turbulent start at their second temporary home in six years.
“We’ve got a win here early on, which is outstanding,” he said.
“Whilst the environment’s slightly different, you get used to it really quickly.
“They took it in their stride, and to a man they were outstanding.”
Jordy Hiwula had the best chance in the opening half to break the deadlock when rounding the visiting goalkeeper, but he saw his effort hacked off the line by Harry Lennon.
The hosts went in front just after the interval, when Hiwula made a darting run inside and laid the ball off for Westbrooke to pick out the bottom corner from 20 yards out, a goal that was enough to settle the contest.
The Coventry boss singled out the goalscorer for his decisive moment of quality, and said he made the most of his opportunity in the side.
“It’s a really difficult skill, but to see it in the back of the net was nice to see,” said Robins.
“It gives Zain confidence, and it gives everybody confidence.
“He’s waited for a starting berth and he’s done well in game one, hopefully it will spur him on to try and stay in the team.”
